Echinacea pallida
Family: Asteraceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to the central plains states, from
Arkansas and Oklahoma North to Nebraska and Minnesota. This is the
third most economically significant species of Echinacea (after angustifolia
and purpurea). Botanically, it is quite unique, a tall, tap-rooted plant
bearing beautiful composite flowers with drooping ray-flowers and white
pollen. Chemically it is characterized by the presence of polyacetylene
bands in the HPTLC scan. Medicinally, the root probably has much
the same immune-enhancing activity of the other species, although it is
not as “tingly” to the tongue. As a decorative garden plant, I am in love
with these. They are not as densely foliar as purpurea, and the stems
are more lithe, therefore they nod their flowers about in the breeze a
good deal more -- a most graceful habit. Cultivation: Extra
care. Best germination may be obtained by sowing the seeds outdoors
in fall, midwinter or very early spring. Requires at least one month
of cold, moist conditioning to give full germination. Sow shallowly,
and keep moist. Thin or transplant to 1 to 2 feet apart. Flowers
pale-purple, to 3 to 4 feet tall.
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